High 5 locations to remain in and round Athens

Greece has been among the many world’s most iconic vacation locations for a really very long time, but many are likely to skip Athens and fly straight onwards to one of many small islands that are dotted throughout the mainland. Nevertheless, the Greek capital has heaps to supply so I made an inventory of resorts which it’s worthwhile to contemplate when visiting Athens.

Funnily sufficient, there’s just one within the metropolis centre whereas all the remaining are 20 to half-hour away within the Athenian Riviera, however these provides you with a lot extra in return. House, seaside, tranquility… let’s dive into it.

4 Seasons Astir Palace Lodge

Situated a mere 25 minutes from the Acropolis by itself privately owned peninsula, overlooking the bay of Laimos in Vouliagmeni, this resort wants no introduction. The unique Astir Palace constructed within the 60’s was the hotspot for nationwide and worldwide film stars who would both come over to take pleasure in their holidays or to movie their subsequent manufacturing. Quick ahead to current instances when 4 Seasons took over and reopened the resort in 2019 the place it acquired voted quantity 35 in The World’s Greatest 50 resorts in 2023. Suffice to say that this place has all of it. The situation permits the resort to make use of all of the area it needs to, and because of this there are 2 primary buildings (Nafsika and Arion) and on high of that there are a number of bungalows dotted round one of many many bays.

What instantly stood out to me after I first arrived, was the truth that it doesn’t look or really feel like a 300 bed room resort, quite the opposite. In fact, with the completely different buildings and bungalows unfold out over the world, all the things immediately turns into rather more relaxed and fewer crowded. The busiest half might be the principle pool space which is surrounded by bars, eating places and even a children membership, however then nonetheless it’s a pleasant place to calm down. One of many highlights for me is the view you get from a lot of the property, which is beautiful on account of the truth that the resort is constructed onto a cliff. One other half you’ll be able to’t miss out on is the Athens Spa which is actually an oasis inside the entire complicated. If meals is your factor then you definately higher lengthen your keep to strive the entire eating places out trigger there are greater than a handful. And if that’s nonetheless not sufficient for you, they provide a free switch inside a 3 km radius to go to any of the eating places within the space outdoors the resort. All in all, a property that’s onerous to not like.

Anthology of Athens

This newly opened boutique resort is the one to go for should you actually wish to keep within the centre of Athens. Not solely is it proper throughout the Temple of Olympian Zeus, it’s additionally a stone’s throw away from the well-known Acropolis. It’s as should you would open up your historical past guide and plant a resort proper in the midst of the Greek chapter. With solely 12 rooms and 6 suites it’s worthwhile to be fast to safe some area, however once you do, you’ll be in for an actual deal with. The rooms and suites are trendy but you continue to really feel at residence from the second you stroll in. Too many resorts these days are scientific, chilly and lack soul. Fortunately that’s not the case at Anthology of Athens.

One of many absolute highlights of this resort is The Botany, a fine-dining rooftop restaurant which gives among the most unimaginable views over the Acropolis. The outside backyard simply provides to the general feeling of eating al fresco. However what to do on a wet day? No worries, the Balaneion Spa is the proper place to spend some high quality time whereas escaping the hustle and bustle of the town. Boutique resorts usually are likely to neglect how vital it’s to supply these leisure choices for his or her company, however nothing of that on the Anthology of Athens. it is perhaps small in dimension nevertheless it’s grand in service and magnificence.

The Roc Membership

Like another resorts talked about right here, this boutique property is situated in Vouliagmeni, a brief drive from the town centre. With views over the bay, it’s the proper place to wind down and really take in the native vibes of Athens within the space. It’s additionally proper subsequent to the Vougliameni Lake, which is a surprising lake surrounded by spectacular caves and verdant nature. it even has thermal springs which suppose to have therapeutic power. Nevertheless, it’s not solely to be discovered on the lake trigger from the second you step into The Roc Membership you’ll really feel there’s an power current. Smiles throughout, a heat welcome and immediately a glass of bubbly to get you within the vacation moon. The Roc Membership, which is a part of the well-known Grecotel model by the way in which, nails the temporary in terms of first impressions.

The rooms and suites are gentle with stunning interiors that go completely with the beautiful outside vistas. However that is Greece so that you wish to be outdoors as a lot as you’ll be able to, and The Roc Pool is considered one of my favorite locations to take action. Not solely is the pool partially surrounded by the rock on which the resort is constructed, it’s additionally nice to see the completely different small terraces throughout the place you’ll be able to create your individual little oasis with solar loungers and so forth. The pool bar is simply the cherry on the cake however who am I to go towards it. One other gem is The Roc Rooftop, from which you have got after all the most effective views over the bay. However, having fun with these whereas savouring among the conventional Mediterranean delicacies which is served over right here, makes it all of the extra particular. After which there’s the artwork which is actually omnipresent all through the property and provides a splash of colour. In case you search for that hidden gem within the Athenian Riviera, then you should definitely put The Roc Membership in your radar.

One & Solely Aesthesis

This architectural marvel is situated in Glyfada, some 20 minutes south west of the town centre. Very similar to the 4 Seasons you are feeling like coming into a secluded oasis inside putting distance of the Greek capital. It gives room, suites, bungalows and villas as much as 6 bedrooms so will probably be powerful to not discover the best lodging for you and whoever you resolve to carry alongside. The type is a mixture of smooth trendy with a particular Southern European twist. On a culinary entrance you’ll be handled to some very good Mediterranean delicacies however should you like a change you’ll be capable to transport your tastebuds to Peru or Japan due to Manko and Sumosan, their speciality eating places.

When it comes to experiences there’s little or no that isn’t attainable. From the attractive tennis and padel courts, to the beautiful swimming pools, wonderful health centre and the fun-filled children membership, it’s all right here. Talking of which , the One & Solely Aesthesis is actually a household pleasant resort the place your little ones will equally take pleasure in their time as a lot as you do. And whereas your children are having a great time throughout the property, you’ll have time to go to the beautiful Guerlain spa. It’s the primary of its variety in Greece and permits for some very good tailored facial and physique therapies. And should you concern losing interest with the property then there’s at all times the choice to take the speedboat to the One & Solely Kea Island which is situated lower than an hour away but makes you are feeling such as you’re in a complete new area.

The Margi

A ultimate boutique resort which you definitely want to contemplate is The Margi. A smooth property situated in the identical space as The 4 Seasons Astir Palace and The Roc Membership, however with a method of its personal. Trendy traces welcome you whereas an eclectic artwork assortment spices issues as much as ensure you by no means get bored strolling round this resort. Over 10 room classes are supplied, ensuring there’s an ideal match for each visitor, and should you resolve to return over with household or associates there’s the beautiful 4-bedroom villa that may make your Greek vacation dream come true. If that’s not sufficient, I recommend you go the the wellness space the place you’ll shortly choose up the japanese influences, until you step into the fitness center which is situated in the identical spot, however right here you’ll choose up weights as a substitute.

One factor that stands out at The Margi is the meals, which really stands out. Why? Nicely, it’s as a result of the resort has its personal natural farm only a few kilometres down the highway, from which it will get all of the recent produce every single day. And that freshness really interprets in wonderful flavours in your plate. Add to that their wonderful wine cellar (or cocktails if that’s extra up your alley) and you understand you’re in the proper place. However why not take it a step additional and go to the farm itself, choose some greens your self and get them prepped by the chef on web site whilst you take pleasure in a Greek bbq extravaganza. It doesn’t get extra native than that, however that’s the fantastic thing about Greek hospitality.

In fact there are nonetheless a great deal of different locations to remain and revel in your time in Athens and the Athenian riviera, however once you choose any of those 5, you’ll be able to relaxation assured that the Greek Gods shall be enviously trying over your shoulder!

Kristof Eyckmans

Kristof Eyckmans is a journey author from Antwerp, Belgium. He’s been residing all throughout the globe and whereas he loves wildlife and nature, he can nonetheless take pleasure in a great city jungle.